Haggai 1:1-11

On the first day of the month of Elul during the second year Darius was emperor of Persia, the word of YAHWEH was spoken through the prophet Haggai. He delivered this prophecy to the appointed governor of Judah, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, and to the high priest, Joshua son of Jehozadak. “YAHWEH, Commander of Angel Armies, says this: ‘These people procrastinate by saying that this is not the right time to finish rebuilding YAHWEH’s house.’ ” Then YAHWEH spoke the following message to the people using Haggai as his mouthpiece: “Really? Is this the right time for you to be living in your expensive houses while my house lies in ruins? So now, I, YAHWEH, Commander of Angel Armies, say to you: You had better be intentional about the path you choose. You have planted much but harvested very little. You fill your plates, but you are never full. You drink but are still thirsty. You put on clothes but not enough to keep warm. You earn wages, but your money burns a hole in your pocket and quickly runs out. “I, YAHWEH, Commander of Angel Armies, repeat: Be intentional about the path you take. Now, go up the mountain, cut some timber, and rebuild my house, and I will take pleasure in it and manifest my glory there. It is I, YAHWEH, who say so. “You hoped for abundant crops, but instead you gathered little. When you brought in your meager harvest, I caused it to spoil. It is I, YAHWEH, Commander of Angel Armies, asking you, ‘Why?’ It is because my house lies in ruins while each of you runs to his own house. That is why the sky has withheld the rain and the ground its crops. I have called down drought on the land and hills—your grain, oil, and new wine. It has affected both people and animals and spoiled all your attempts to grow food.”